What is it about Thailand that keeps visitors coming back again and again? Maybe it’s the delicious food, the incredible nightlife, or the fantastic shopping that lures in every type of traveler. Regardless, it’s easy to see why it is one of the most visited countries in the world.
Keep reading to discover the top eight reasons to visit Thailand in 2020!
To Eat Thai Food
Thai food is renowned for many reasons. For one, it is some of the spiciest cuisines in the world. It also boasts of some of the widest varieties of food, with everything from tasty salads to noodle dishes and fragrant curries to spicy soups. Even better, Thai food is incredibly cheap! You can dine on several mains at a local outside restaurant for less than $1!
Some of the top dishes in Thailand that you need to try include:
Pad Thai - Thai-Style Fried Noodles
Pad See Yew - Thai-Style Thick Noodles
Som Tam - Green Papaya Salad
Tum Yum Goong - Shrimp Shrimp Soup
Guay Teow - Noodle Soup
Tom Kha Gai - Chicken in Coconut Soup
Laab - Spicy Meat Salad
To Experience the Capital’s Amazing Nightlife
Did you know that Bangkok has the longest capital name in the world? That’s right - of all the cities in the world, Bangkok’s title in Thai is the longest word. Take a deep breath and get ready, as Bangkok’s real name is…Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit.
In addition to having the longest name in the world, Bangkok has some of the best and most diverse nightlife venues. From bumping late-night clubs to speakeasies to Irish pubs and more, you simply can’t miss out on visiting the capital for a night out alone.
One of the best places to party is certainly Khao San Road. This infamous party street is home to several clubs and lots of hole in the wall establishments where visitors can sip from buckets of booze for only a few bucks! Get buzzed for cheap and later hit up the neighboring clubs.
If you want to experience the best night ever in Bangkok, be sure to book Mad Monkey Bangkok . It is found in the heart of Old City and is within walking distance to some of the most popular temples, famous markets, and is within walking distance to Khao San Road! They also host a wide array of nightly events and daytime activities, including their bumping Pool Party.
Some of the other best clubs in Bangkok include:
The Club
Sing Sing Theater
Iron Fairies
Hair of the Dog
Courtyard 72
Levels Club
Beam
To Visit the Incredible Temples
Thailand is undoubtedly the land of temples. There are literally thousands of temples across the country, and the top ones are found in both Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Wat Pho, otherwise known as the ‘Temple of the Reclining Buddha,’ is a Buddhist one that is home to a gold, leaf-covered Buddha image that is 46 meters in length. Wat Phra Kaew is another phenomenal temple in the capital. It is found on the grounds of the Grand Palace. Both need to be added to your itinerary of Thailand. Set aside an afternoon to see both of these!
In addition to these amazing temples, be sure to check out the other temples in Bangkok:
Wat Arun
Wat Traimit
Wat Saket and the Golden Mount
Wat Suthat and the Giant Swing
Wat Benjamabophit (Marble Temple)
To Be At One With Nature
Thailand is home to some of the best national parks in the world. Get up close and personal with wildlife in these national parks as well as at a lot of the outdoor adventure activities, including white water rafting, zip-lining, and more. The best cities to frequent to be in nature are both Chiang Mai and Pai in Northern Thailand. If you venture to Chiang Mai, be sure to add Doi Suthep National Park. At the top of this mountain sits a great temple, known as Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. The mountain is also known for the wildlife and waterfalls! Some of the other top natural sites to visit in Chiang Mai include:
Huay Tung Tao Lake
Sticky Waterfalls
Chiang Dao Cave
Doi Inthanon National Park
Grand Canyon
Elephant Nature Park
Queen Sirikit Botanic Gardens
Check out more amazing things to do in Chiang Mai, here . If you want to know more about the incredible Grand Canyon, check out Mad Monkey’s comprehensive article here !
To Lounge on the Beach
In addition to temples and mountains, Thailand is also home to some of the best stretches of sand in the world. Koh, meaning island, are certainly in plenty around the country - both in the south of the country as well as only a few hours drive from Bangkok!
Grab your swimsuit, sunscreen, and towel and check out the best islands with plenty of coastlines in Thailand!
Koh Phangan
Koh Samui
Phuket
Khao Yai Islands
Koh Samet
Koh Lanta
Koh Chang
Koh Tao
Koh Lipe
Koh Phi Phi
To Go Shopping
Luxury malls, antique markets, pop-up stores: Thailand has some of the best shopping in the world! Visit the Jim Thompson House Museum to buy some of the country’s world renowned silk. Head to Chinatown in the capital and take your wallet to Sampeng Lane, which houses a plethora of souvenirs. Search through extremely fashionable finds at Asiatique The Riverfront in Bangkok and maybe even go on the Ferris Wheel after purchasing a new wardrobe. Some of the other top places to shop in Bangkok include:
Chatuchak Weekend Market
Rod Fai Train Market
Rod Fai Train Market (2)
MBK Center
Pantip Plaza
Siam Paragon
EmQuartier
Pak Khlong Market (the capital’s largest flower market)
Siam Discovery
After exploring all that Bangkok has to offer, make your way to Chiang Mai. This northern city is home to several night bazaars selling everything from clothing to soap to Thai souvenirs and so much more.
To Meet the People
Thailand is not known as the ‘Land of Smiles’ for nothing! Not only are Thai people incredibly friendly but also extremely hospitable - whether you need recommendations on the best place to eat nearby or a simple set of directions, you are sure to make a few friends whilst traveling the country.
To Explore Under the Sea
Thailand is just as incredible under the sea as it is above! Get PADI certified on the stunning island of Koh Tao, where you are almost 100 percent guaranteed to see sea turtles! If you want to experience a wreck dive, you should definitely venture to the HTMS Sattakut Wreck. Underwater enthusiasts will absolutely love Sail Rock off the coast of Koh Tao, where visitors will find an abundance of marine life without having to dive deep. Some of the other top diving destinations include:
Koh Similan Islands
Hin Daeng and Hin Muang off Koh Lanta
Chumphon Pinnacle off Koh Tao
Koh Dok Mai off the island of Phuket
Where to Stay in Thailand
Did you know that Mad Monkey has not one but three properties in the country? Be sure to check out Southeast Asia’s number one hostel in Bangkok , Chiang Mai , and Pai ! Each property is equipped with a pool, onsite restaurant and bar, daily tours, nightly events, and so much more. Check them out!
More Information About Why You Should Visit Thailand
Did you love this article about why you should visit Thailand? Do you want even more amazing reads, blog posts, and articles about Thailand and what makes it incredible? Then check out these articles we’ve rounded up for your reading (and travelling) pleasure. It’ll be the best trip of your life!
Bucket List of 18 Things to do in Chiang Mai, Thailand for Bucket List Journey
Chiang Mai: a Complete Backpacker’s Guide to this Northern Thai City by Kelly Iverson for Mad Monkey
The Vibrant Thai Markets Just Outside of Bangkok for Mad Monkey
Northern Thailand: a Guide to Chiang Mai vs. Pai by Kelly Iverson for Mad Monkey
The 50 Things to See and Do in Bangkok, Thailand by Kelly Iverson
The Top 10 Reasons to Visit Thailand by Suzanne Name for TripSavvy